Saurav Ganguly working overtime to make pink ball experiment a hit

Kolkata: Former India captain and CAB president, Sourav Ganguly, is working overtime to get everything in order at Eden Gardens, which is set to host the country's first pink-ball multi-day cricket match under lights.

With drone flying over him under the dazzling Eden floodlights, the iconic lefthander was seen shooting promotional with the pink Kookaburra for the June 18-21 CAB Super League final which will be shown live on Star Sports.

"Eden Gardens will hold the first day-night (four-day) match in India. It has given us many moments to celebrate, now it's getting ready to host yet another moment to remember," Ganguly said in the promotional.

Later talking to media, Ganguly, who is also the BCCI technical committee chairman, said, "Pink ball is the future... This will be the ultimate form of Test cricket. What will be the use of doing something which will have little interest left."

Eyeing to host the country's first day-night Test, the CAB is leaving no stone unturned to make the local league final a success. "The tickets for the match will be free and the official broadcaster is distributing free tickets to schools," Ganguly said.

With the match coinciding with the onset of monsoon, rain is a concern. "We will try to do it in the winter from next time," he said about the match which will be a 2.30pm start. A full fledged commentary team of Harsha Bhogle, Akash Chopra and VVS Laxman will be there for the match as there will be a talk show on June 15 ahead of the historic match, Ganguly informed the media.

Bhowanipore have already qualified and their final opponents will be among Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Kalighat. Ganguly however was tight-lipped on their bid to get the first day-night Test in India proposed against New Zealand.

"It depends on the BCCI schedule. I have not thought about it." The CAB is doing the necessary groundwork to ensure a successful hosting of the match. "Certain conditions are required for the pink ball to hold up for a substantial period. We have spoken toKookaburra’s subcontinent head and will follow the advice," secretary Avishek Dalmiya said.

There is a possibility that the Eden would host Duleep Trophy under lights. The BCCI technical committee, headed by Ganguly, had already recommended the inter-zonal first-class tournament, be played with pink balls.